Report: Rockets Trade Michael Carter-Williams to Chicago Bulls

According to reports, the Rockets have traded guard Michael Carter-Williams to the Chicago Bulls in return for a second round pick. The main reasoning behind this move is salary. Carter-Williams' contract would have become fully guaranteed if the Rockets did not move him today. This saves the Rockets of a tax hit.

Reports also indicate that Carter-Williams will be waived by the Bulls. The Rockets were his fifth stop overall and his fourth team in as many seasons. Carter-Williams was the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2014. He appeared in 16 games for the Rockets and had not seen action since December 19.

Carter-Williams simply did not work out in Houston. While his ability to penetrate and kick out to the wings sometimes worked for him, that was all he really offered. His three-point shooting has been a liability for years and there were no real signs of improvement. However, one can credit him for hitting the 25th three-pointer for the Rockets against the Wizards, which set an NBA record.

This was a trade that had to be completed.

Expect to see the Rockets possibly convert Danuel House from his two-way contract, which is close to running out. He has been in the starting lineup and contributed greatly on both ends. House has scored in double figures in three of the last four games.

The Rockets currently sit at 22-16 and 5th in the Western Conference. They face off against the West-leading Denver Nuggets Monday night inside Toyota Center.